What Is the Difference Between Implants and Veneers?

What Is the Difference Between Implants and Veneers?

Dental implants and veneers are two procedures people can use to restore their smiles here at Dentistry in Waterloo. Each procedure is entirely different and addresses specific types of dental problems and concerns. It is important to understand the differences between these two procedures, so you can make informed decisions and select the one that will best address your dental needs and requirements.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are recommended in cases where you need to replace the entire tooth with an artificial tooth. Implants can be used in situations where the tooth is not able to be saved and has to be extracted. Rather than leaving a gap in the location where the tooth was previously, a dental implant can be installed to give the appearance of a full set of teeth.

Dental implants may also be used as an alternative procedure in cases where the person needs to get a dental bridge, partial denture plate, or a full set of dentures. Dental implants are designed to last a very long time with the proper care. As a result, you do not have to get dental implants replaced every five or ten years, like you do with dental bridges, partial plates, and full dentures. Additionally, in some cases, dental implants can be used along with denture plates to help secure plates firmly in place.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are used in cases where you need to correct problems with the colour or shape of your teeth. They are thin plastic or porcelain pieces molded into the shape of the tooth and secured to the front of the tooth. They are well suited for such problems like discoloured, misshapen, chipped, crooked, unevenly spaced teeth or teeth with uneven surfaces.

Veneers are custom made for each tooth. They help protect the tooth’s surface from further damage and/or discolourization. They are primarily used for aesthetic purposes to help cover up and hide those imperfections that prevent people from truly enjoying their smiles. Sometimes veneers are called porcelain veneers, dental porcelain veneers, or simply dental veneers.

There are two different methods of getting veneers installed onto existing teeth. They can either be created in a laboratory, after a mold has been taken, and later attached to the tooth or directly built on the tooth. It is worth noting that porcelain veneers require being created in a laboratory first, whereas plastic (resin composite) veneers can be created and built directly onto the tooth.

Of the two materials, porcelain gives a more natural tooth appearance and resists staining better than resin composite veneers. On the other hand, resin composite veneers require the removal of less of the actual tooth surface before being attached to the tooth and are slightly thinner. It is recommended to discuss your options with your dentist to determine which type of veneer will suit your needs the best.

In regards to the longevity of dental veneers, porcelain veneers tend to last longer than composite resin veneers. Other factors, including such things like the material used to make the veneer, dental maintenance, conditions they are used in, and the expertise of the dentist who installed the veneer, as well as your dental habits, all determine how long dental veneers last.

Essentially, properly placed and cared for veneers, can last a rather long time. To learn more about dental implants and dental veneers and how these dental procedures can help give you the beautiful smile you have dreamt about, contact Dentistry in Waterloo today by phoning 519-885-5880 to schedule an initial consultation appointment.